Three contra-flow lanes in KL from July 3 to ease peak-hour traffic

PUTRAJAYA: Contra-flow lanes will be implemented in Kuala Lumpur from July 3 to ease traffic congestion, says Anthony Loke.

The lanes would be applied at three specific locations, the Transport Minister told a press conference after a traffic congestion technical committee meeting here today.

One will be from the Sungai Besi Toll Plaza to the Besraya intersection, over a distance of 2.4km.

It will be open to all private vehicles except motorcycles.

The existing contra-flow lane southbound from Jalan Maharajalela to Taman Connaught will also be extended to evening peak hours over a 4km stretch.

A contra-flow lane will also be created from Ampang Point to Jalan Tun Razak.

"It will be for 3km. This lane, however, can only be used by public transport such as buses," he said, adding that action will be taken against private vehicles that use this lane.

The timeframe until implementation is to let the stakeholders involved make preparations, Loke added.

He said the lanes would be activated during peak hours from 6am to 9am and from 5pm to 7pm.

"Guidelines will be drawn up by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) to ensure these measures can be carried out efficiently.

"Other measures will continue to be studied collectively before being implemented," he said.

He said no structural changes would be involved in the contra-flow lanes.

"(The lanes will be marked by) cones placed along the route. Miros guidelines also potentially ensure a reduced risk of accidents in these lanes," he added.

Loke acknowledged that these measures were a short-term fix, adding that there were at least six million cars moving around within the Kuala Lumpur area on a daily basis, not including its surrounding areas such as Petaling Jaya.

"During peak hours from 6am to 9am, 2.2 million cars traverse the city and this is the reality.

"In the long term, we hope to change attitudes while also improving public transport systems and encouraging its use," he said.